Last year we made the announcementand mentioned that many seasoned authors described writing a book was like giving birth. Well, it sorta-kinda was, we think. We survived the first year and half of this cookbook frenzy, which meant being buried in dirty dishes and recipe testing for the first half. Then it was followed by the next four weeks of shooting the cookbook ourselves. And that included washing every single dirty dish, pot, spoon, fork, knife, glass– including the kitchen sink and floor—twenty times over. Still, probably not as bad as dealing with dirty diapers.

To give you a sneak peak into our inspiration for Bountiful, we made a little video, starring the pups!

Your support and encouragement has been tremendous and integral in getting us to share our garden and recipes more. For years, we turned away at every thought and opportunity of ever writing a cookbook. But it wasn’t until we sat in our garden one day and thought about what garden recipe to share with you all on the blog, that the idea of a cookbook for us made sense. Go figure! See what comes around when you aren’t even looking?

Our Bountiful cookbook really is an extension of our heart, lives and everything that we love. This book makes sense to us, it’s a reflection of who we are and that’s what really matters. And best of all, we were able to include lots of pictures and stories of the pups! Thanks to our awesome publisher, Abrams Books, for understanding and allowing all of that. They’re dog-people too. Woof!

And now we’re going on a little Bountiful cookbook tour over the next few weeks. Will we be able to see you? Can you come visit and give us a hug? All this new “author” stuff is intimidating. We’ve always been behind the scenes shooting for other cookbooks, now it’s our turn to talk about our own 3.7 pound baby!

hugs and love,

diane and todd

Connect with us with the hashtag #BountifulCookbook

Here’s our latest schedule and updates- come see us, we need hugs! (please note : some events and bookstores politely ask that you support by buying a cookbook at the event or buying a ticket or reserving space ):

Food 52, November 2013. ” a full collection of seasonal recipes, all photographed so beautifully you will wish you were as photogenic as their sweet potatoes.”

Austin American Statesman, October 2013 “…it’s superb photography, seasonal recipes that you’ll find pinned all over the Internet and a vicarious look into what must be one of the most photographed vegetable gardens (and backyard fruit orchards) in all of Los Angeles.”

It’s unbelievably gorgeous! I’m impressed you got your dogs to stay put for that adorable family shot ahah, well trained =) I can’t wait for the book, congrats and I look forward to reading it! Too bad you’re not coming up to Canada 😉

Congratulations! I’m super excited to see your cookbook! Your video has put me in tears. It gave me such warm, wonderful feelings and it reminds me of what beautiful people you two are. I wish all the best for you guys on your book tour.

My copy has been on pre-order since the first time you guys posted that pre-order was available, and I absolutely can't wait for it to land on my door step. Outside of the recipes (which I know will be amazing), I can't wait to drool over the amazing photography that I know the book with enclose.

Thrilled to the gills–but the Bay Area? Please tell me your making your way north too…I’d like to order my book from the bookstore you (will, indeed!) be coming to. Congratulations on your bundle of joy!

Congratulations, Diane and Todd! Your video actually made me a little teary. You wear your hearts on your sleeves, and your love of food and your friends shines through in everything you do. I love the shot of your two pups looking at pictures of themselves in the book!